Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka underscored the need to galvanise South-South cooperation to liberate and uplift countries and peoples from the clutches of poverty, inequality and deprivation.
Addressing the High-level Commemorative Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM on the occasion of its 60th anniversary held in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia on Monday, Minister Dr. Khadka said for NAM to stand relevant to influence global agendas of common concern, it must
forge unity, cohesion, cooperation and solidarity among its members.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in his address Minister Dr. Khadka said, “NAM must be internally strong to foster goodwill and cooperation so that division and discord do not surface to undermine the unity of the Movement,”
The Minister, in his address, stated that sixty years down the road, while NAM has achieved in bringing freedom, independence and democracy for countries, the world today is witnessing rising ethnic and intra-state conflict, violent extremism, terrorism, climate change, economic recession and financial vulnerability, widening inequality between rich and poor and fuel and food crises of large proportion.
Cautioning about resurfacing geopolitical tensions and new wave of competition among the great powers, Minister Dr. Khadka said, “NAM should re-claim its rightful place and speak loudly and act decisively for the very poor, weak and vulnerable countries.”
“Nepal calls upon all leaders of the world, of the Movement and beyond, to work for the
shared future we all want and deserve. Let’s pledge to act together and to move forward
for the good of all mankind,” said Minister Dr. Khadka.
He also highlighted the issues of climate change and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to mankind.
The High-level Commemorative Meeting commenced on Monday and concluded on Tuesday. Representatives from over 100 countries of the NAM Member States were present at the meeting.
Earlier, on the sideline of the meeting, Foreign Minister Khadka had a meeting with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, the MoFA informed.
Both sides had a fruitful discussion in areas of mutual interest such as trade and tourism, economic cooperation, education and culture, among others.
Minister Dr. Khadka and members of the delegation left for home on Tuesday evening and are scheduled to arrive Kathmandu on Wednesday morning.
Source : TRN,
